Volleyball Returns to Top 25

Texas A&M, riding a 10-match win streak and in sole possession of first place in the Southeastern Conference standings, broke back into the American Volleyball Coaches Association's Top 25 Poll today, coming in at No. 25.
 
The Aggies (19-6, 12-2 SEC) spent one week in the Top 25 earlier this season, as they also were  No. 25 in the September 7 poll but have since been unranked or receiving votes in the weekly poll.
 
A&M, which climbed two spots to No. 14 in this week's NCAA Ratings Percentage Index (RPI), is is 4-3 against teams ranked or receiving votes in this week's coaches poll, including wins against current No. 3 Minnesota, No. 13 Colorado State and No. 19 Kentucky, who is one game behind A&M in the SEC standings and comes to Reed Arena on Wednesday for a crucial showdown against the Aggies.
 
Southern California moved into the top spot this week, and Washington, Minnesota, Penn State and Texas round out the top five, respectively. In addition to A&M and Kentucky, the SEC is represented by No. 14 Florida, who comes to Reed Arena on Sunday, Nov. 22, in the Aggies' final regular-season home match of the season. Missouri, who A&M faces on Nov. 25 in Columbia, is receiving points and is listed 29^th.
 
Wednesday's match against the Wildcats begins at 9 p.m. It will be "Dixie Chicken Night" at Reed, and the first 500 fans receive free Dixie Chicken cups and key tags. The key tags can be used at the Dixie Chicken to purchase a discounted burger basket. In addition, with the late 9 p.m. start, fans are encouraged to wear pajamas to the match. All fans who wear pajamas to the match can receive a free hot chocolate from the concession stand. 
 
Visit 12thMan.com for more information on Texas A&M volleyball. Aggie fans also can keep up to date with the A&M volleyball team on Facebook and on Twitter and Instagram by following @AggieVolleyball.
 
The complete AVCA Top 25 Poll, released today is as follows (A&M 2015 opponents are in bold italics):
 
                                                                    Total                      2015           Prev.
   Rank   School (first place votes)           Points                   Record         Week
       1      Southern California (47)              1575                     27-1                 2
       2      Washington (10)                          1516                     24-2                 3
       3      Minnesota (7)                              1504                     23-3                 4
       4      Penn State                                    1395                     24-3                 1
       5      Texas                                             1356                     22-2                 5
       6      Nebraska                                      1206                     22-4                 8       
       7      Stanford                                       1188                     18-6                 6
       8      Hawai'i                                          1184                     23-1                 7
       9      Kansas                                           1050                     23-2                 10
       10    Wisconsin                                     1040                     20-6                 11
       11    UCLA                                             954                       21-5                 9       
       12    BYU                                               918                       23-3                 12
       13    Colorado State                             820                       22-3                 13
       14    Florida                                          715                       20-5                 15
       15    Purdue                                          654                       20-7                 17
       16    Ohio State                                    628                       21-7                 14
       17    Louisville                                       524                       21-5                 22
       18    Illinois                                           520                       18-9                 16
       19    Kentucky                                       326                       18-8                 18
       20    Florida State                                292                       20-7                 20
       21    Western Kentucky                        231                       28-3                 24
       22    North Carolina                             212                       17-8                 25
       23    Arizona                                         177                       17-11               19
       24    Arizona State                                161                       19-8                 21
       25    TEXAS A&M                                  118                       19-6                 NR
 
Others receiving votes and listed on two or more ballots: Colorado 109; SMU 105; Arkansas State 91; Missouri 74; San Diego 49; Michigan 39; Creighton 24; Long Beach State 23
 
Five teams mentioned on only one ballot for a total of 22 combined points.
 
Dropped Out: San Diego 23